State of Emergency Declared Following Damage in Ruston

Governor John Bel Edwards has declared a state of emergency following the severe weather in North Louisiana that resulted in the death of at least two people Thursday morning.

Edwards says,

"First and foremost, Donna and I send our prayers and condolences to the families of those who were killed this morning and to the people of north Louisiana. We are grateful for the local officials and emergency responders who quickly took action in the immediate aftermath of these storms."

In response to the declaration, the Louisiana National Guard has been deployed to the scene to conduct debris removal missions, provide Meals Ready to Eat (MRE's), give out bottles of water, and provide other supplies for people into affected areas.

Photo Courtesy of the Louisiana National Guard

The LANG activated approximately 25 local Guardsmen with the 527th Engineer Battalion, 225th Engineer Brigade, and is prepared to bring in more soldiers as needed.

Sgt. 1st Class Tracy Doss says, “That’s our job and that’s why we do this. Being able to help our own community after a disaster is a privilege."